Cultural Programming Project Manager - Manchester

We're looking for a Project Manager with a talent for building partnerships and participation, and bringing creative ideas to life. If you're dedicated to engaging urban communities, creating opportunities for people to get involved in nature and heritage, this may be the ideal role for you. The Greater Manchester Urban Programme is developing an exciting cultural programme to strengthen and amplify our work to reach new audiences and address unequal access to nature, beauty and history. This is a fantastic opportunity to build on and lead the cultural programme, including Bloomtown (Greater Manchester's Blossom celebration) and a range of other nature-inspired partnerships, participation and creative interventions., You'll be part of the Greater Manchester Urban Team and line manage a growing team, working alongside you to cultivate partner relationships and manage collaborative activity. The Castlefield Viaduct can be a brilliant base for the offer, building on the strong partnerships and programmes that have been created during the project's pilot. You'll grow programmes and activity across different places and spaces in the city and Greater Manchester. Your contractual place of work will be the National Trust Manchester Hub on Oxford Street. Our hybrid working policy means you can balance office and home working with site visits and meetings at other National Trust places. We'll talk about this in more detail at interview, but you should expect to be at a National Trust site for 40-60% of your working week. Due to the nature of the work we do and the experiences we offer, you'll occasionally need to work evenings and weekends, and be happy to travel. Your time and expenses will be re-imbursed in line with National Trust policies. What you'll be doing You'll be the lead for the development of the Manchester urban cultural programme and creative partnerships. You'll be responsible for scoping, developing and delivering activity that uses nature and the natural environment to connect people to the city-region's cultural heritage and inspire people to take climate action. You'll work with a range of partners, funders, organisations and communities to make projects happen and deliver demonstrable impact, at scale, for people and place; mobilising National Trust's operational teams and consultants to support your work. Starting with Blossom in Spring 2025, you'll co-create a calendar of activities that involve and engage Greater Manchester's diverse audiences; secure profile and publicity; and evaluate the programme. Sharing lessons learnt from our work, you'll measure impact in order to shape a longer-term programme of cultural engagement in Greater Manchester.

Please include a cover letter with your application. We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• a proven track record of developing, planning and delivering creative programming, events and projects to scope, time and quality
• experience of effectively managing a range of stakeholders, working collaboratively with communities, partners, creative collaborators and funders to deliver results
• strong project management skills with a good understanding of the project life cycles, processes, governance requirements, reporting and matrix management across multiple projects
• excellent management and communication skills including the ability to manage and motivate project teams and volunteers
• problem-solving skills, able to make decisions and drive multiple projects forward to deliver positive outcomes
• some experience of funding, procuring, contracting and financial processes. Ability to manage budgets and control costs
• ability to evaluate projects, share learning and use insights to shape best practise.
  
  The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.
The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world. Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement. The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

Applications will be shortlisted against the above criteria, so please evidence your abilities in these areas. The package The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places